Leaders Meet in Paris to Discuss Military Support for Ukraine Amid US Policy Shift
World leaders convened in Paris on Thursday for a summit dubbed the “coalition of the willing,” focusing on military aid and security guarantees for Ukraine. The meeting, held at the Élysée Palace, saw the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and several other European leaders. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and EU officials also attended, with around 30 delegations present.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the summit aims to bolster Ukraine’s position in potential negotiations with Russia while ensuring Europe plays a central role in shaping any peace agreement. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for “strong decisions” on security guarantees and the presence of allied forces in Ukraine. This meeting follows the US administration’s recent policy shift, which has led to direct talks between Washington and Moscow, excluding European nations from the discussions.
As Europe seeks to assert its influence, the leaders discussed long-term military commitments and coordination efforts to prevent Ukraine from being sidelined in peace negotiations. Macron reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to supporting Kyiv, while Zelenskyy stressed the urgency of advancing security agreements.
